Luffy's cries of pain came through the Den Den Mushi to Sengoku at Marine Headquarters.
Hearing the sound, Sengoku already knew what Garp was doing.
He was actually spending time back home with his grandson.
"Come back as soon as possible, and look for that person on your way. I refuse to believe you don't know where he is."
After speaking into the Den Den Mushi, Sengoku hung up in frustration.
That man really was hopelessly unreliable.
"Still not used to it?"
Vice Admiral Tsuru, the Headquarters Vice Admiral and Chief of Staff, looked at Sengoku with a genial smile. Her hair had already turned mostly white.
Sengoku glanced at Vice Admiral Tsuru and gave a helpless, wry smile.
"Forget it. I know what he's like, but I still can't help myself."
Vice Admiral Tsuru nodded, then changed the subject. "According to the information we've received, that young Pirate Hunter is indeed very likely to have a Logia ability related to fire. It's quite possibly the Mera Mera no Mi."
As she spoke, the smile faded from Tsuru's face, and her expression grew serious.
Sengoku nodded.
"Indeed. Being able to ignore sword strikes makes it very likely. Regardless, any Devil Fruit user is worth trying to recruit. We don't want him spending too long at sea and turning into a pirate. That would be a real problem."
Every gain for one side meant a loss for the other.
That was Sengoku's reason.
If the young man, who was suspected of having a Logia Devil Fruit, became a pirate, he would undoubtedly give the Marines a headache.
But if he joined the Marines, they would gain another powerful fighter.
"Forget it. Let's see what Garp brings back," Sengoku said with a shake of his head, then looked at Tsuru. "We need to speed up the selection of the Shichibukai."
At Sengoku's mention of the Shichibukai, Tsuru studied his expression.
"Doflamingo is one of the candidates, too. The World Government brought him up, and the two sides should have been in contact."
Tsuru knew Sengoku had never gotten over Corazon being killed by his older brother, Doflamingo. If Doflamingo really became a Shichibukai, Sengoku would no longer be able to go after him.
Sengoku fell silent.
"Speed up the selection. Once Akainu and the other two become Admirals, we'll need to keep pirates from entering the New World. The Shichibukai serve that purpose, too.
"At the very least, the Four Blues and Paradise must remain under Marine control."
Ever since Roger's death, the number of pirates had exploded. Keeping them in check was no easy task.
The simplest solution would be to expand the Marines, but the World Government wouldn't agree. After all, expanding the force would require a huge increase in funding.
"Understood. I'll keep an eye on it. Also, Crocodile and Boa Hancock have both explicitly refused to come to Marine Headquarters."
Sengoku wasn't surprised by what Tsuru said.
Even as Shichibukai, they were still pirates. Why would they come to Marine Headquarters so easily?
"Go take care of it."
Sengoku waved a hand. His gaze fell on the heap of documents on the desk in front of him. He picked one up and casually held it out to the elderly goat beside the desk.
The elderly goat didn't hesitate. It took the document in its mouth and chewed it slowly.
Tsuru nodded and rose to leave Sengoku's office.
"Ma'am!"
Outside, a young-looking female Marine stood at attention and called out.
"Mm. Let's head back."
Tsuru waved and led the woman away.
The news that the Fleet Admiral was changing and that three new Admirals were being appointed naturally caused a huge stir across the seas.
But in the Four Blues, the news didn't cause nearly as much commotion.
Most people simply didn't care.
Shimotsuki Village was one such place.
No one even discussed it.
Dunn's training continued steadily.
[Body Digitization: Your body no longer has vital points. When attacked, damage is converted into a reduction in HP; panel attributes change according to your strength; you will not die before your HP reaches zero] [Current body age: 14] [Constitution: 29 (rapidly transforming due to certain influences)] [Current HP: 100% (recovering; eating can restore it quickly)] [Innate Talent (Indomitable): When your HP reaches zero, you enter a brief enhanced state; all your physical attributes are increased tenfold; your HP no longer decreases; all negative effects are cleared; current duration: 10 minutes; cooldown: 1 day] [Abilities] [Mera Mera no Mi (proficient): A powerful Logia Devil Fruit ability that grants the power to become and control fire; continuously strengthens the body; the fruit's drawbacks have been eliminated (weaknesses and a resident soul); current fruit development (17%)] [Swordsmanship (proficient): You have mastered the basic sword techniques and training methods; you have gained a vague understanding of the path you want to follow] [Observation Haki (basic mastery): You have a basic perception of the energy in all things] [Armament Haki (basic mastery): You can slightly control the energy within your body for attack and defense]
Compared to a few days ago, his Constitution had increased by a full eight points, more than it had in the entire previous month. Perhaps it was related to awakening Armament Haki and maintaining it continuously.
His understanding of his Devil Fruit ability had also improved a little.
Even without using his Devil Fruit powers, his physical strength, swordsmanship, and two types of Haki were enough to let him put up a fight.
If he used his fruit, then at least in the East Blue, there shouldn't be anyone who could beat him decisively—unless he ran into someone like Garp.
Dunn thought about it, then shook his head and banished the idea.
No, no. He couldn't think like that. He had to stay humble.
As the thought crossed his mind, he casually knocked aside an incoming bamboo sword.
After blocking the two bamboo swords Zoro swung at him, Dunn turned his own around and caught Kuina's wooden sword as she brought it down at his head. The rebound sent Kuina stumbling back several steps.
"Opening!"
Zoro shouted indistinctly. Crouching low, he swept the bamboo swords in both hands toward Dunn's legs.
Smack!
Without even turning his head, Dunn struck back with a quick swing.
The bamboo sword smacked Zoro on the head. Dazed, he couldn't keep the bamboo sword clenched between his teeth and fell face-first to the ground.
"This won't work!"
Zoro got straight back up after the heavy blow. Though still dizzy, he spoke up.
"What won't work?"
Dunn turned around, as if he could see right through the black cloth covering his eyes.
"You keep your Observation Haki and Armament Haki active the whole time. We can't beat you."
Zoro hated feeling so helpless.
"Are you going to ask your future opponents out at sea to give up their strengths and fight you on your terms? Tell me, do you think they'll agree?"
Dunn answered bluntly, leaving Zoro speechless.
That was true. The enemy wouldn't reason with him.
"Again!"
Kuina's voice rang out. Dunn flicked his bamboo sword, sending her flying.
"I get it!"
Zoro looked at Dunn, whose eyes were covered, and yelled at the top of his lungs.
"What are you yelling for?" Dunn said, exasperated, as he dug at his ear. "If you're going to fight, you have to win. You don't need to warn your opponent before you attack."
Dunn's words left Zoro embarrassed.
Just as he was wondering what to say, Dunn suddenly turned toward the docks and yanked the black cloth off his face.
"So they came after all."
Before you continue